Polestar 2

Make
Polestar
Segment
Sedan

The Polestar 2 is the Swedish performance brand's answer to the Tesla Model 3 and Jaguar I-Pace. Whereas the Polestar 1 is a sleek hybrid coupe, its successor is a fully electric sedan and the first of several EVs that Polestar has in the pipeline.

Starting at $45,000, the Polestar 2 utilizes a dual-motor setup producing a combined 402 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque, while offering a targeted range of 310 miles. But if you want a sportier driving experience, Polestar also offers an optional $5,000 Performance Pack that adds a range of performance upgrades. With US customer deliveries of the Polestar 2 starting soon, Polestar has provided more details about the Performance Pack.

As standard, the Polestar 2 is equipped with frequency-dependent damping that reduces body roll and noise for a more comfortable ride. The Performance Pack adds Ohlins Dual Flow Valve dampers that offer "increased control and adaptability" on rough surfaces. According to Polestar, the clever design of the Dual Flow Valve dampers "allows oil inside the damper to travel through two different paths depending on the input speed of the suspension."

While rough surfaces can unsettle a car's body with conventionally-valved systems installed, Polestar claims the DFV dampers "aren't affected in the same way." The damping system included with the Performance Pack is also manually adjustable through 22 different settings, allowing you to fine-tune ride and handling responses. Also optimizing the Polestar 2's performance are new Brembo brakes with 14.7-inch x 1.3-inch front brake discs and four-piston aluminum calipers providing increased stopping power.

The calipers are finished in a special Swedish gold paint and feature an aero-sculpted design inspired by the sleek lines of the Polestar 2. According to Polestar, the braking system utilizes a low drag system that prevents pads from dragging on the brake disc while also reducing noise and rolling resistance and optimizing the regenerative braking system.

Whereas the standard Polestar 2 rides on 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels, the Performance Pack includes forged 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels that are 3.3 pounds lighter each. Polestar says this results in less unsprung mass, allowing for greater control and improved grip when combined with the Ohlins DFV dampers. The alloy wheels are wrapped in high-performance Continental SportContact 245/40R20 tires specifically designed for the Polestar 2. Complementing the mechanical upgrades are gold valve caps and unique gold three-point seatbelts.